Speeding with a stolen gun
Forest Park police observed a 1998 Green Chevy Cavalier heading westbound on Randolph, traveling 40 mph in a 25-mph zone around 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 15. The male driver appeared to be texting. When police curbed the car, they observed the driver allegedly making “furtive movements” near the center console of the Chevy. Police recovered a Phoenix Arms .22 caliber handgun with 10 live rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. The hammer on the handgun was cocked, according to reports. Brian Finley, 33, of Broadview, told police he had a handgun because his cousin was shot and killed in Maywood recently. He reportedly stated, “It’s just a crazy world out there.” Police received a report that the gun was stolen, and Finley allegedly denied his connection to it, stating, “I don’t know nothing about no gun.” He was charged with one felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and having no Firearms Owner ID card.
Peddling tools from a backpack
A man from Oak Lawn was arrested after witnesses said he approached them on his 10-speed bicycle and attempted to sell them power tools from his backpack around 4:45 p.m., Jan. 15, in the 7600 block of Jackson. The man had a sawsall, a table saw, electric hedge clippers, a 12-volt battery charger and two extension cords for sale. Police then recovered a butterfly knife, empty syringes and an aluminum can from his person. The 33-year-old told police the tools were his own and refused to comment on the drug paraphernalia. He was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of drug equipment.
Auto ransacked
A parked Honda Civic in the 1100 block of Lathrop was ransacked overnight on Jan. 14. The owner discovered the driver’s side door ajar and the interior of the vehicle had been rummaged through. Police found no evidence of a break-in.
These items were obtained from the records of the Forest Park Police Department, Jan. 13-21, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anyone named in the report has only been charged with a crime.
